The entire Red Lobster chain has a certain "rep" if you ask me. Dey love dem sum Red Lobster.
I didn't realize this until last year when I went out to dinner with some friends. I don't usually frequent RL so I didn't realize how far the ghetto-ization of the place had progressed. There's a certain expectation that I've come to expect should I ever darken the doors of a dump like Mcd's - especially the deeper one ventures into the dead zone of your average urban environment. But RL ain't McD's - they're spendy! (well, for what you get at any rate).
If I'm dropping a few dollars for a gut-bomb and a Coke I don't ask much in ambiance. If I'm dropping $40-$60 for dinner I do. Likewise if I'm picking up a chocolate shake I know that I'm not obliged to rub elbows - it's grab~n~go. But a decent sit-down dinner elicits the expectation of at least warm and embracing atmosphere - if not conviviality. What I will not tolerate is offensive outbursts. Not from anyone. (and here's where I'm gonna play the "most" card) What I continue to see is that whenever there is disruptive or obnoxious behavior, it is a black doing it. Not always - but most of the time.
In the past I have called people out for their behavior. I have also badgered staff to correct disruptive behavior. In one case the manager asked "What can I do?!" to which I replied, "Your God-damned job!" If you aren't up to maintaining order in your own place then get someone who can. Call the cops for cripe's sake!"
Anymore, when we take my mom out to dinner she waits while one of us goes in and scans the patrons for trouble-makers. We will drive on if I don't like what I see.
